Why France is Secretly the World's 5th Biggest Country

Summary

France is more than its European borders—its overseas territories span every ocean, from the Caribbean and South America to the Indian and Pacific Oceans, even reaching Antarctica. These territories, home to nearly 3 million French citizens, give France the world’s largest number of time zones and the largest maritime Exclusive Economic Zone. Key regions like French Guiana support European space launches, while Pacific islands hold historical significance from tourism and nuclear testing. Combined with global military bases, these territories allow France—and by extension the European Union—to maintain vast geopolitical influence, making France a truly global power in the 21st century.

Takeaways

• 🌍 France has a significant global presence through its overseas territories, making it closer to many parts of the world than commonly perceived.
• 🗺️ Overseas France includes territories in the Caribbean, South America, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and around Madagascar, adding 119,386 square kilometers to France's total land area.
• 👥 Nearly 3 million people live in overseas France, making them full French and EU citizens with voting rights.
• 🕰️ France spans 13 time zones, more than Russia, due to its global territories.
• 🏝️ Many overseas territories remained part of France because they did not desire independence, unlike other former colonies.
• 🚀 French Guiana is crucial for the European Space Agency due to its location near the equator, providing an ideal launch site for rockets.
• 💣 French Polynesia was used for nuclear testing until 1996, making France the fourth nuclear power and maintaining an arsenal of approximately 300 weapons.
• 🌊 France has the world's largest Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), covering nearly 11.7 million square kilometers of ocean, giving it vast maritime control.
• 🪖 France maintains over 36,000 soldiers in overseas bases across multiple continents, enabling rapid global military deployment.
• 🇪🇺 France's global reach strengthens both its own geopolitical power and that of the European Union, making it a major 21st-century global player.

Q & A

What is 'Overseas France'?

'Overseas France' refers to French territories located outside mainland Europe. These territories span across the world, including places in the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and South America.

How much land area does 'Overseas France' add to France's total territory?

'Overseas France' adds **119,386 km²**, which is about 18% of France's total land area, roughly equivalent to the size of North Korea or Bulgaria.

What is the significance of France’s global time zones?

France spans **13 time zones**, the most of any country, making it a truly global nation with influence across various parts of the world, from North America to Oceania.

What are some of the key French overseas territories?

Key territories include **Réunion Island** and **Mayotte** in the Indian Ocean, **French Guiana** in South America, and **French Polynesia** in the Pacific. These regions are integral parts of France and the EU.

How many people live in 'Overseas France'?

Approximately **3 million** people live in the French overseas territories, making up about 4% of France's total population.

Why is French Guiana important for space launches?

French Guiana is located near the equator, making it an ideal spot for space launches due to the planet's rotational speed. This location allows rockets to get an extra boost, which is why it hosts the European Space Agency's launch site.

What role did French Polynesia play in France's nuclear testing?

French Polynesia was the site of France's nuclear tests from 1960 to 1996, where a total of 193 detonations took place, despite international opposition, especially from New Zealand. These tests were controversial and caused diplomatic tensions.

How much of the world’s EEZ does France control?

France controls the world's largest Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), covering **11.7 million km²**, which is approximately **8%** of the entire planet's EEZ. This gives France significant maritime influence.

How do France's overseas territories impact its global military capabilities?

France maintains **36,000+ troops** in overseas territories, allowing it to project military power globally. With bases in regions like Africa, the Pacific, and the Middle East, France can respond quickly to international threats.

What is the historical significance of Saint Pierre and Miquelon?

Saint Pierre and Miquelon, small islands off Canada, are the remnants of France's former North American colonial empire. They are still French territories and have a unique history of disputes and occupation between France and Britain.